Stories to Educate Patients With Ankle, Foot, and Knee Injuries

Comparative Effectiveness of Descriptive Versus Narrative Emergency Department Discharge Instructions for Patient Education on Unnecessary Testing for Ankle, Foot and Knee Injuries

Study will test the use of narratives on patient satisfaction and translation of an evidence-based approach to the use of X-rays for leg injuries in the Emergency Department (ED). The investigators will identify patients with foot, ankle, or knee injuries for whom X-rays are determined to not be needed. On discharge, patients will receive the current fact-based sheet or that plus a narrative explaining the work-up and treatment of these injuries. Outcomes will be assessed by a survey measuring patient satisfaction and understanding.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute traumatic knee, ankle or foot injury presenting to ED
• No indication for X-ray by Ottawa Rules criteria
• ED provider planning to discharge patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• X-ray obtained
• Need for X-ray by established Ottawa Rules criteria
• Children
• Pregnant women
• Patient to be admitted to the hospital
• Patient non-English speaking or illiterate